Condition12 connections · 7 sources
Cushings Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome results from chronic excess cortisol in the bloodstream. It exists in two main forms: pituitary-dependent (PDH, 85% of cases) caused by a pituitary tumor, and adrenal tumor (AT, 15% of cases). An atypical form involves normal cortisol but elevated sex hormones.
Key Facts
- 85% pituitary-dependent, 15% adrenal tumor in both dogs and cats
- Atypical Cushing's shows normal cortisol but elevated sex hormones
- Dogs: excessive thirst/urination, pot belly, skin/hair changes, muscle weakness, ravenous appetite
- Cats: 80% also develop diabetes-mellitus; only 10% of dogs do
- Adrenal tumors have 50% chance of malignancy
- Screening labs show stress leukogram, elevated alkaline phosphatase, elevated cholesterol
- Confirming tests: low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (90% accuracy), ACTH stimulation test, urine cortisol:creatinine ratio
- Discriminatory tests to classify type: high-dose dexamethasone suppression, endogenous ACTH level, ultrasound imaging of adrenal glands
- Treatment: trilostane or mitotane (medical), surgery for adrenal tumors
- Species: dogs and cats (rare in cats)
Connections (12)
Related Conditions
AcromegalyCondition
Both involve pituitary tumors causing hormone excess
Diabetes MellitusCondition
80% of cats with Cushing's also have diabetes; Cushing's causes insulin resistance
Diabetic KetoacidosisCondition
A precipitating condition in dogs
HyperlipidemiaCondition
Elevated cholesterol is a common secondary finding
HypertensionCondition
High blood pressure can accompany Cushing's syndrome
HyperthyroidismCondition
Both are endocrine disorders of older cats; thyroid disease alters glucose metabolism